Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Arowhenua

There is a Maori Church at Temuka which replaced the 1866-1931
building. The mission church, Holy Trinity, was consecrated by Rev. J. Stack on
August 1866. The foundation stone for the later church was laid by Bishop F.A. Bennett,
Bishop of Aotearoa, on November 1, 1931 and the church consecrated March 5 1932
by Archbishop West-Wastson assisted by Bishop Bennett, the Vicar (Rev. G. Nelham
Watson) and other members of the clergy. This attractive Anglican church was built by Mr.
H. Andrews of Temuka and contains one stained glass window "Christ and the
children", a white friar window, commemorating Lesile V. Talbot, the
Sunday School Superintendant 1909-1942, who died 28 March 1964. Dedication
described in the Timaru Herald Oct. 10 1966 pg. 5.

Holy Trinity Anglican Churchis directly across the street from
Arowhenua War memorial arch. There is a large
churchyard cemetery behind the church.
The cemetery is a credit to the community. Recently mown. Situated on
the corner of State highway 1 and Huirapa Street at Arowhenua, between the Opihi
and Temuka rivers.

Timaru Herald 16 January 2007
Preparations are well under way for the 75th anniversary of the Holy Trinity
Anglican Church in Arowhenua in March. Reverend Andrew Starky said the birthday
celebrations would be held on March 4. A service would be held at 10am in the
church, followed by lunch at the Arowhenua Marae. The church replaced an old
wooden church at the Arowhenua site in 1932. In preparation for the birthday
celebrations, the church's floors had been touched up and the east window had
been replaced and the leadlights renovated. The exterior of the church will also
be painted. "The church is a special part of Temuka's history and many recognise
the building," Rev. Starky said. He said the church had been a meeting place for
Maori and Pakeha in the area. "Although it's an Anglican church it has always
been open to other denominations," he said. The church is the only one of its
kind remaining in the area. Services are held twice a month.

Timaru Herald, 25 July 1879, Page 2
The condition of the Arowhenua Cemetery reflects the
greatest credit on those who have the management of it. It was damaged to a
certain extent by surface water during the last flood, but it has since more
than regained its former pleasant appearance. The whole of the cemetery
having been recently mown, a great variety of very pretty flowers and shrubs
are exposed to view. The graves and paths are particularly well attended to,
and look very neat indeed. A great need has been recently supplied, by the
erection outside the cemetery of a number of posts, strained with wire, to
which 100 horses can be comfortably fastened. A visit to the cemetery will
greatly please those - who admire neatness and order.

The glass dome with artificial flowers inside often sometimes
have an inscritption.

Reference: Papers Past
Otago Witness, 21 June 1905, Page 18 MAORI COUNCIL HALL AT TEMUKA.
THE OPENING CEREMONY. For some weeks past the Maoris in both islands have looked
forward with eagerness to the opening ceremony at the new Maori Council Hall at
Arowhenua pa, near Temuka. Some time ago the old Arowhenua Council Hall was
destroyed by fire, and its destruction was a severe blow to the Ngaitahus and
Ngatimamoes residing around Temuka. It was said to be the first council hall of
its kind erected in the South Island, and it was the scene of many a stirring
debate upon the perfidy of the Government of this colony, in as much as the
Maoris allege that certain promises in respect to land grants to the Natives,
have not yet been fulfilled. Students of-Maori ethnology know that the average
Maori is keenly fond of a "korero," and the wise men and patriarchs of the
various tribes can descant m their native tongue upon tribal questions with
surprising facility of expression. The necessity for a new hall galvanised the
Temuka Natives into activity, stimulated by the promise of a Government grant of
£200 conditional upon raising a similar amount by the Natives themselves. This
they succeeded in doing, and a fine substantial meeting house has just been
built, costing £500. It has been named after the one burnt down. "Te- Hapa o niu
Tirene," a comprehensive title, which, freely translated, means that the New
Zealand Government has never fulfilled a promise given to the Ngaitahus that
certain lands would be restored to that once powerful tribe. Thus the Arowhenua
Council House stands as a constant reminder of the shortcomings of our
Government in respect to this phase of the Native lands question, and the cream
of the joke lies in the fact that the present Government has helped to
perpetuate the reminder with a subsidy of £200. Thus it will be seen that the
new meeting house is invested with great mana, and prominent Maoris from north
and south gathered together to witness the opening ceremony. Three very large
marquees were erected near the hall, and comprised a dining room, a sleeping
room for the women, another for the men, and a number of bell tents were
scattered about for the accommodation of visitors of rank.
On Tuesday evening: the weather was clear and fine, and the
visitor was rewarded with many picturesque sights. A huge camp fire was burning
in front of the camp, and around it were seated a group of old men and women,
smoking away in a silence that was eloquent. From another camp fire, a couple of
chains away, came peals of merry laughter from a score of piccaninnies, who
danced about the fire with torches of blazing straw, the laughter being
punctuated at times with a cry of pain when a bare brown foot trod upon a red
ember. In the dining hall a large number of Maoris had gathered to hear the
discussion upon the morrow's programme by the chiefs, and one noticed the
transitional stage when" a motion was discussed in Maori and the division taken
with "Aye" and "No." "All the same pakeha," as one old Maori aptly expressed it.
The amount of oratory expended on the raising of a flag or the precedence of the
various speakers was abnormal. By midnight the caucus was hushed in silence, the
fires had burned out, and the moon, shining palely through a filmy haze, softly
vapourised the outlines of the sleeping- camp.
Morning broke in a thick, drizzling rain, which, completely
spoilt the success of the gathering. Elaborate arrangements had been made to
entertain both Maori and pakeha visitors, large numbers of whom were expected to
witness the ceremony. Hopes were entertained that the weather would clear at
noon, but by that time the roads and camp were muddy sloughs, and gum boots and
goloshes in great demand.
Shortly after 1 p.m. loud shouts of " Powhiri ! Powhiri !"
announced the arrival of the Hon. A. Pitt, Attorney-general, and visiting
chiefs, and a number of Natives gathered in front of the entrance gate and
performed the " Powhiri," or haka of welcome. In the meantime the visitors had
dismounted from their vehicles and advanced in a slow march, in accordance with
Native custom, the powhiri meanwhile increasing in lusty fervour and
gesticulation. The visitors, amongst whom were the Hon. A. Pitt, Tame Parata.
M.H.R., Messrs Buxton (Mayor of Temuka). Flatman, M.H.R., Toomey. M.L.C.
,Taiaroa, and others were conducted to a raised platform, where they were
welcomed by Mr G. Robertson, an erstwhile wrestler and a chief of rank. He
presented the Hon. A. Pitt with a beautiful Maori bag of rare excellence, and an
address of welcome was read in English by P. Piper, after which the
Attorney-general addressed the assemblage, his remarks being translated into
Maori by Mr T. Parata, M.H.R. The Minister thanked them for the invitation to be
present, congratulated them upon possessing such a fine hall, and hoped their
land grievance would vanish and that they would have a satisfactory settlement.
He impressed upon them the urgent necessity for better sanitation in their
kaingas, and congratulated them upon having Mr Parata as honorary sanitary
assistant to Dr Pomare, who was doing such noble work amongst them as medical
and sanitary adviser. He hoped that ere long arrangements would be made whereby
young Maori women would be enabled to undergo a course of hospital training as
nurses. They would then be able to return to their people and teach them up
to-date methods of rearing and nursing infants, and thus help to reduce the
terrible infant mortality at present so rampant in kaingas. Several other
speakers also gave short speeches, but the rain was an effective time limit, and
Colonel Pitt declared the hall open, and the friendly shelter proved very
acceptable.
The accommodation was unequal to the demand, a large number
of visitors having driven up from Timaru and the surrounding districts. Large
tables were arranged in the hall, and as soon as the fortunate ones were seated
a large bullock, which had been roasted whole in an " umu." or Maori oven, was
carried into the hall to the tune of an appropriate haka, which afforded the
pakeha visitor much amusement. After the bullock had been disposed of, a
second umu was opened, and a fragrant aroma revealed the near presence of a
large number of steaming plum puddings, cooked in flax platters. After the feast
the visitors were entertained with several poi dances and hakas, but as these
were given in the hall very few of the pakeha visitors saw them, the hall not
being large enough to accommodate one-half of those who desired to be present.
Many of the visitors had had no lunch, and fully expected 10 find plenty at Ihe
camp, and bad weather never entered into their calculations. Many amusing bits
of by-play were observed as some of the gentlemen went foraging for eatables for
their lady friends, who were not only very hungry, but also very wet. A number
of hakas, potohiris, puahas, and poi games had been practised by the Natives for
months previously, and the bad weather proved mutually disappointing. The people
at Arowhenua pa had focussed their energies upon the opening ceremony for
months, in order to make it a success befitting the occasion, but the weather
they could not control, so "taihoa."
The hall is a neat wooden structure, 84ft by 22ft, with a
stage, 24ft by 12ft, neatly adorned with a pretty drop-scene. It was decorated
inside with festoons of maple and ribonwood leaves, and a number of beautiful
Maori mats made a unique decorative dado. The only Maori features about the
exterior are a grotesque tiki and carved barge-boards above the entrance at the
front of the building.
The Tarawhata family generously presented a piano for the
hall, Mr Taiaroa gave a large clock and a gong, and the Kahu family donated a
large mirror for the dressing. Other donors presented various utilities, and
altogether the council house at Arowhenua pa has entered upon its sphere of
usefulness under very favourable auspices.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 9 November 1859, Page 2
[From the Lyttelton Times, October 19.]
At Arowenua Bush, we hear, a fire also broke out, destroying an amount of
property estimated, according to several statements, at £1,000.

Daily Southern Cross, 1 July 1859, Page 3Horomona Othio, of Waimatemate, Tarawhata Tane, of Timaru, and Miaru, of
Timaru, have been appointed native assessors.

Otago Witness, 31 January 1863, Page 2
Great Fire at the Arowenua Bush — A fire broke out in the Arowenua Bush last
Monday, which, I am sorry to say, has been attended with most disastrous
consequences to the bushmen and other parties interested. An inquest into the
origin of the fire will be held I believe on Wednesday next, at present it is
involved in mystery. For the whole week the fire has been steadily burning,
causing great destruction ; nearly all the stacked firewood, some 300 ends
belonging to the different parties, has been completely destroyed, and a large
quantity of standing timber. Yesterday, in the bush, the fire was still burning
with unabated fury, being greatly augmented by the strong nor' wester then
blowing. It is to be hoped that this morning's rain will do something towards
quenching the flames, but I fear that hardly enough has fallen to do much good.
The Maories its also have suffered, not only in the loss of standing timber, but
also by the destruction of some of their huts which the fire swept down in its
course.

Daily Southern Cross, 10 January 1866, Page 5
Government Gazette. The post-office and at Arowhenua, in the province of
Canterbury, has been closed.

Otago Witness, 10 February 1866, Page 16Timaru Herald says "We are informed that Mr J. Pilbrow and Mr H. Rayner,
a short time ago, went in company with a number of Maoris to fish for partiki,
on the beach near the Maori pah at Arowhenua. They were out for two nights and a
day, and daring that time succeeded in securing about a ton and a-half of fish.
Mr Pilbrow went into the water up to his chin, with a line and strong hook
baited with a piece of flounder, when he secured a shark five feet long,
containing twenty-five young ones ; and on going in again, he caught a grouper
weighing fifty pounds. The sea along the beach appears to swarm not only with
grouper, but sharks also ; anglers must therefore be very cautious."

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 9 February 1867, Page 3
The district, which is certainly the finest agricultural one in Canterbury, is
getting settled very fast, and the timber from its various 'bushes' is
disappearing with ever-increasing rapidity. The once extensive bush at Arowhenua
is now reduced to a few straggling trees, so few that they may be counted ; and
it is quite a favour to be allowed to purchase a cord of firewood, so scarce
have even the stumps become. The Raukapuka bush will doubtless shore the same
fate in very few years, as it is being fast cut into, and the aid of steam has
been called in some twelve months back to facilitate the work of destruction.
The importance, therefore, of an available bed of coal cannot well be
exaggerated.

Timaru Herald, 30 October 1869, Page 3
A rather sudden death occurred on Thursday at the Maori pa. The deceased was a
elderly man, known by the name of Takitai, brother to Tommy, the Maori chief. He
had been m a declining state of health for some time, and it appears that on the
day of his death he was about to mount a horse, for the purpose of making some
excursion, when he broke a blood vessel, and although medical assistance was
sought, death ensued in a very short time. The Maoris feel very indignant that
the medical officer appointed to minister to their ailments should be cue whose
residence is at such v distance, that an accident may prove fatal before his aid
could be given merely from the fact of his having so far to come, while timely
aid would often, humanely speaking, avail to save the patient. The body was
brought in from the pa at the beach on Saturday, and was interred m the Maori
burying ground yesterday, at 3 p.m. The funeral ceremony was conducted according
to the form of the Church of England, one of the Maoris reading the service.
Everything was done in the most orderly manner, and at the conclusion of the
ceremonies, several rounds of musketry were fired, after which the natives
adjourned to the church for the usual evening service. The funeral was witnessed
by about 40 Maoris and a few white persons.

North Otago Times, 15 June 1869, Page 2
It is said that the Maories at the Arowhenua pah have embraced the Hau-hau
superstition, and report was current in Temuka on Saturday evening that there
was a danger of an attack from the fanatics, which caused the Volunteers to
assemble and the villagers to arm themselves with the means of defence ; no
attempt, however, of a rebellious kind was made, and the crisis, if there really
was one, is considered past.

Timaru Herald, 24 December 1869, Page 2
A MAORI DROWNED. An inquest was held at the Crown Hotel, Temuka, on Monday last,
before B. Woollcombe, Esq, Coroner, on the body of one Meti, a native, who was
drowned on the Thursday previous. Mr Henry Forward was chosen foreman of a jury
of fourteen. George Kahou acted as interpreter. Betty Simon, a native, sworn,
deposed : Saw Meti alive last on Thursday, about ten o'clock m the morning. lie
was going to get firewood from the beach. He went to cross to a canoe which he
left on the lake's edge, and had not made it fast. I saw it adrift, and told
deceased so. He went to look for it, and I did not see him again alive. The body
I have seen lying here is the body of Meti. Br the Coroner : Deceased could not
swim. He never told mo so, but his brother told me. I went to the beach in the
canoe with deceased. After lie had left me to go after the canoe he did not come
back for a long time, so I went to the pa and told them about deceased going
away, and not returning. When I last saw deceased he had on his trousers, boots,
shirt, and hat, but no coat ; that was in the canoe. Jeremiah, a native,
deposed: I have seen the body lying here, and know it as that of Meti. Found the
body on Saturday last m a creek near to Woodhead's farm, not far from the head
of the lagoon. The body was immersed about two feet in the water, and was lying
on the face. I pulled the body out, and found it to be that of deceased quite
dead. The creek is rather wide and very deep. I saw no marks of violence on the
body. The canoe I found a long way from deceased, in a different creek. Deceased
was my brother. He could not swim. I thought deceased was drowned because he did
not return, and Betty told me he had gone after the canoe ; so I went to look
for him the next morning, but did not find him till Saturday. I did not find any
of deceased's clothes on the edge of the creek. When found, there were no
clothes on with the exception of a handkerchief round his neck. I have seen
deceased's coat in the canoe. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally
drowned in the mill creek near Milford."

Daily Southern Cross, 7 August 1872, Page 3
The Arowhenua natives have written a strong protest to the Government against
native birds being protected; against English fish being placed in their streams
; against the dog tax and impounding of horses.

West Coast Times, 15 August 1872, Page 2
The following is a translation of a notice sent to the Government, by the
natives at Arowhenua : — It is the intention of the Runanga of Arowhenua to let
the Government know their wishes respecting these birds The paradise ducks, grey
ducks, teal, plover, and other water fowl ; pigeons, mountain parrots, kakas,
wekas, and other birds. Let not these birds be protected, let no laws be passed
about these birds. These birds are ours. And the rivers, do not, ye white people
place fish in these waters between Waitaki and Lake Ellesmere ; in none of these
waters place fish. Do not, oh white people thoughtlessly place your fish in
these streams, because it is from the native birds and fish we get most of our
food. This is what we want you to know. But another matter we want to make known
is the impounding of horses, and dog collars (tax), these laws are obnoxious to
us. We Maoris ought to be protected from the operations of these laws."

Otago Witness, 2 May 1874, Page 21 Kemp's Purchase
In a despatch to Earl Grey, the Governor says : — "I found upon conversing with
the chiefs of the Middle Island, that they all acquiesced in the property of an
immediate settlement of their claims to land upon the following basis : that the
requisite reserves for their present and reasonable future wants should be set
apart for themselves and their descendants, and should be registered as reserves
for such purposes. "I have in each of these cases left plans with the resident
Natives, all the Natives present agreeing to the limits as I described them. At
Te Tamatu, where he was met by Taiaroa and Maopa, be laid out reserves
containing 80 acres ; at Arowhenua, 376 acres ; at Te Umukaka, 187 acres ; at
Waitemate, 17 acres ; at Timaru, 20 acres ; and on the north bank of the
Waitaki, 889 acres. Before crossing the Canterbury boundary, we will note how he
was guided by the principle he laid down of giving 10 acres to each soul. He
reserved 3714 acres of land for the use of 372 Natives.

Grey River Argus, 13 November 1877, Page 3
MOVEMENTS OF THE MAORIS.
The ancient nomadic habits of the Maoris are in some situations being revived in
these modern days. The other movement has been at Waitaki, in this island, and
appears to be made with a more definite object. Some months ago a large number
of them proceeded up the Waitaki and encamped themselves upon Benmore Run. It
was at first supposed that they had gone thitherto hunt wekas, or hold a tribal
meeting, but it soon appeared that they had far other intentions — meaning no
less than to take possession of the land for themselves. A correspondent of the
North Otago Times in September last spoke of them as being, then busily engaged
in ploughing the ground at Benmore," and in an official report in June last, the
Rev Mr Stack, of Kaiapoi, thus referred to the circumstances :— A few weeks ago
a number of natives, under the leadership of Tamaiharoa, their prophet, left
Arowhenua for the Upper Waitaki, carrying with them their families and all their
moveable property. It is their intention to "squat" on any suitable piece of
land they can find, and so to compel the Government to grant them more land.
This course of action is due to the failure of Mr Taiaroa's efforts to induce
the General Assembly to grant further compensation for the lands taken
possession of by the Crown in the South, Island. The facts were subsequently
brought under the notice of the Government, and enquiry was promised, but the
Oamaru journal complains that beyond that promise the matter has not proceeded.

Grey River Argus, 2 October 1878, Page 2
A most miraculous escape from violent death occurred yesterday. As the 11.30
a.m. train from Timaru was crossing the Arowhenua Bridge, a Maori was observed a
short distance ahead walking on the planking. The driver at once blew the
whistle, but the Maori, instead of taking to one of. the abutments, or sticking
to the planking, jumped to the sleepers right in the path of the advancing
train. The cowcatcher of the engine caught him, and carried him along in a
marvellous manner to the end of the bridge, and then tumbled him over a steep
embankment. Mr Jones, the district station-master, was on the train, and
observed the accident, and at once gave orders to the guard to pull up and
proceed back to the Maori, whom he found lying on his back considerably shaken.
Several natives were on the scene almost as soon as Jones, and carried their
companion to the Arowhenua Pah. Jones gave instructions for a doctor to be sent
for, but it is reported that when the latter arrived the Maoris would not admit
him into the hut. The Maori's name was Haeremai Paia, about 60 years of age. No
fatal result is expected to follow his misadventure.

Otago Witness, 22 August 1885, Page 17
Walker — On Saturday, the, 15th August 1885, at 6 o'clock, at the Maori Kaik,
Temuka, Daniel Walker, third eldest son of Edward Walker, and third eldest
grandson of Tame Tarawhata; aged 4 years (born October 16, 1881).

West Coast Times, 6 December 1887, Page 2
The Lyttelton Times records the death, at the Arowhenua Pah, of Hoana
(John Kahu) who died at the age of 110 years. He is said by some to have been a
native of Kaiapoi others claim that he is the representative of a powerful North
Island family. The earliest settler in the Temuka district remembers him a very
old, but by no means infirm man, some 30 years ago, and although at the time of
his death he was perfectly helpless, his intellectual faculties were
comparatively unimpaired. In his day he was a warrior of no mean repute, and he
look a prominent part in several inter-tribal wars. Among his own people he was
looked up to with great respect, and his advice on many matters of interest,
with regard to Native lands, was always asked for, and in many instances
adopted.

Timaru Herald, 9 January 1899, Page 2
At the Courthouse, Temuka, on Friday, before Messrs Blyth and Cutten, J.P.s,
James Roberts (a native) was charged on remand with the larceny of a cart, the
property of Edward (Kiti) Waaka.

Timaru Herald, 27 February 1889, Page 3 MAGISTERIAL
Temuka — Monday, 25th Feb., 1889. (Before Captain Wray, R.M., and Messrs K. F.
Gray and J. T. M. Hayhurst, J.P.s.)
FOBCIBLBE ENTRY. Hare Kahu, Hoani Kahu, Edward Waaka, Parahu Tira, and Warata Te
Kon, Natives of Arowhenua, were charged on the information of Thomas Creedy of
Milford, farmer, "that on the 19th February last at Milford they did forcibly
and with strong hand enter into certain land at Milford of which the said T.
Creedy was then possessed for a certain and unexpired term of years, and the
said T. Creedy from the peaceable possession thereof forcibly and with the
strong hand unlawfully put out." T. Creedy, farmer, residing at Milford, stated
that under agreements produced he rented certain land, m all about 20 acres,
from two natives. He had paid rent to his respective landlords, and the rent to
date was fully paid up. On the 15th Feb. last he remembered seeing Mr Rickus,
Hoani Kahu, Hare Kahu, and Edward Waaka at Seadown. ...

Timaru Herald,
10 March 1890, Page 2
At the funeral of Te Whiti's wife, who died a few days ago, champagne was
provided for the most favoured guests.

Otago Witness, 2 October 1890, Page 22
DEATH OF A MAORI CHIEF.
Events are ever occurring which remind us that time is fleeting. The Maori
chiefs of the Middle Island are gradually passing away. On the 2lst ult.
Merekibereka Hape, of Puketeraki, near Waikouaiti, a chief connected by descent
and marriage with the Ngatiata, Ngatituahuriri, and other hapus of the Ngaitahu
and Ngatimamoe tribes, died at the advanced age of 80 years. Belonging to
Arowhenua, a village near Temuka, Canterbury province, he settled at an early
age at Puketeraki, and came under the influence of the Wesleyan Mission which
was established at that place 47 years ago under the Rev. Mr Watkin. The Rev. Mr
Creed succeeded about three years subsequently to the charge of the mission.
Through the care and instruction of these missionaries, Hape was induced to
adopt English habits and customs. He also imbibed many of the precepts of
Christianity, and made considerable progress in reading and writing his own
language. His career and progress may properly be regarded as proof that
missionary labour is productive of good results. About 31 years ago the
Wesleyans, having been constrained by circumstances to relinquish the field,
Puketeraki passed into the bands of the Anglican Church, Mr Baker being its
first representative.; In course of time Hape became a lay reader, which office
he held till the time of his death. Leading an exemplary life, he exercised
considerable influence over his people. To his efforts, in a great measure, the
Natives have been restrained from habits of drinking. He commanded the
confidence of European settlers and Natives alike, his word being respected and
relied upon by all. Several years ago he accepted the position of Native
magistrate. It may not be without interest to the early settlers to know that
his wife, Katerina Kahuti, was a daughter of the old chief known by the name of
"Blueskin." During his declining years Dr Hooken regularly attended him,
affording him relief from the complaint of asthma, which afflicted him. He was
buried in the cemetery adjoining the church of his village on the 28th ult., by
the Rev. Mr Freer, — several hundred Natives from Waikouaiti, Temuka, Moeraki,
Otago Heads, Taieri, and Port Molyneux, and a large number of Europeans followed
his remains to the grave. Among those present at the funeral were the Hon. Mr
Taiaroa, M.L.C., Mr Thomas Pratt, M.H.R., Judge Trimbell and officers of the
Native Land Office, and Mr M. Turton, Native Trust Commissioner.

Otago Witness, 6 April 1893, Page 23
Mr Strack, who is now in charge of the Pleasant Point School, South Canterbury,
continues the interest in the boys under his charge which he always displayed in
Otago. During the Easter holidays he took between 20 and 30 of them to the
native reserve at Arowhenua, where they camped in a large marquee erected near
the runanga house.

Wanganui Herald, 2 April 1896, Page 2Mrs Waaka, a native woman, died at the Maori kaik, Arowhenua, on Monday last, at
the age of 99 years 9 months. She was in capital health, until within a few days
of her death. She leaves numerous descendants, and her sons Kope and Riti are
notable natives. She has one great great grandchild. The natives have assembled
from all parts of the South Island, and. the preparations for the funeral feast
are on a very extensive scale.

Press, 28 March 1896, Page 7
The oldest Maori woman at the Arowheium Maori Pa, Mrs
Walker, died at about half-past seven o'clock on last Monday morning, at
the age of ninety-nine years and nine months. The deceased, says the Temuka
Leader, was the mother of Edward and Tehira Walker (generally known as Cope),
and was strong and healthy till almost the time of her death. Among her
descendants now living is a great-greatgrand-child. Visitors from nearly every
pa in the South Island have arrived to attend the funeral, which is expected to
be the largest, seen at the pa for some years. Makareta Tekawa, the oldest Maori
woman known in Marlborough, died recently, her age being stated at 113 years.
She was born in Taranaki, and resided for some years in Waikauae, and then went
to Marlborough. She, lived to see five generations.

Timaru Herald, 25 April 1896, Page 2
At Temuka on Thursday afternoon there was a large gathering at the Arowhenua
Kaik to witness the interment of the remains of Nelly Waaka, a daughter of a
well-known native, Tama Waaka. About three weeks ago the deceased had to take an
arduous part in the preparation for the funeral rites of her grandmother, and
presumably caught a severe cold, culminating m pulmonary disease. The hapu to
which she belonged is a distinguished one, gradually, however, dying out, and
the funeral was conducted with considerable ceremony, natives attending from all
parts of the island. The deceased was buried in accordance with the rites of the
Church of England, the Rev. Mr Farley officiating.

Wanganui Herald, 1 October 1896, Page 2
The natives of Arowhenua, Canterbury, finding that the attractions of whitebait
and flounder fishing served to keep people sway from the Sunday services, have
mutually agreed that there shall be no Sunday fishing. And they want the
Europeans to follow their example.

Timaru Herald, 6 May 1897, Page 3 Temuka Before C.A. Wray, S.M.
Tohira Waaka, a native, was charged with destroying a camp oven belonging to his
brother Edward. In this case there appeared to be a misunderstanding about the
ownership of an iron pot, and his Worship said the case should have been settled
as a civil action, and the case was dismissed.
John Leonard, another native, was charged with having stolen
a camp boiler, the property of Tehira Waaka. In this case also his Worship said
there was no criminal charge to answer, and it would be dismissed.

Otago Witness, 4 May 1899, Page 21
The funeral of the late Mrs Carolina Howell took place at Riverton on Thursday
of last week. In the cortege were many Maoris and half-castes, by whom Mrs
Howell was held in great esteem, she having come of what we would call royal
blood. The late Mrs Howell was a woman of commanding and some years ago was a
prominent figure at all social gatherings. She had a cheerful and generous
nature, and was noted for her hospitality, which was unbounded. Her early life
is to some extent bound up in the history of two famous Otagan tribes, who at
one time lived near Temuka and Timaru, but who were forced south by the invasion
of North Island natives. So bitter were the northern enemies, that to save
themselves, the islets about Stewart island were sought as places of security
from the attacks of the invaders. Some of these refugees were subsequently
overpowered near Tois Tois, and the chief beheaded — a fact which Mr T. Brown,
now living, a brother of the deceased, well remembers. The tribes referred to
were the Teaotau Marewa and Tema Hikihiki, who became united by marriage, Te
Wharerarimu, the late Mrs Howell's mother, being, as we would say, of royal
extraction, her mother (Mrs Howell's grandmother) and the grandfather of King
Toby — the latter, we may remark parenthetically, is still living at Ruapuke —
being brother and sister. Toby's prestige arose from the fact that he was a
descendant of the male line, Mrs Howell coining from the female, precedence
being given to the male. Te Wharerarimu married Captain Brown, a skipper engaged
in the whaling trade, and as a result of this, several of a family were born at
Codfish Island — Mrs Howell, Mrs Pratt (wife of Mr T. Pratt, M.H.R.), Mrs
Palmer, of the Taieri, and Mr Thomas Brown, Riverton. Mrs Howell was married on
August 10 1845, the parties proceeding to Wellington for the purpose, there
being no clergyman then in the south, the officiating minister being the Rev.
Mr Luxford, probably a relative of the Wesleyan divine of that name now resident
in Invercargill. Captain Howell was engaged in the whaling business, and made
numerous trips to Sydney, on many of which his wife accompanied him. She was of
a venturesome disposition, and repeatedly went on whaling expeditions, taking
her turn in the boat and at times using the harpoon. For a time Captain Howell
resided at South Riverton, and secured two stations, one at Fairlight and the
other at Flint's Bush, with which he was eminently successful. He died in 1874,
the estates being sold subsequently, realising a handsome fortune, which was
left to his family. Mrs Howell is survived by three sons and six daughters. Of
the latter four are married —Mrs G. V. Printz, Mrs G. H. Butler (Melbourne), Mrs
T. Bell (Orepuki), and MrsT. R. Ellison (Wellington). — Riverton Star.

Timaru Herald, 30 March 1900, Page 2
Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M., sat at Temuka yesterday afternoon to deal with
applications made by natives for the old age pension. Six cases were considered.
It was explained by the Magistrate that as the whole of the land in the South
Island has been alienated, the amount of property which a native nominally holds
cannot be considered as accumulated property. It can be let but not willed. The
main questions to be considered were those of rental values and proof of age.
The rentals in no case reached the limit, and the proofs of age were quite as
readily forthcoming as is generally the case with Europeans, the date of
Commissioner Mantell's enquiry in 1858 being taken as a standard. This is when
the native reserves were allocated. The following applicants received full
pensions Tiri Anaha, Tiriata Tamaikairoa, Hoani Korehe Kahu, Mirianna Waaka,
Henare Kahu, and Hamuera Torepe.

Otago Witness 5 April 1894, Page 33
The Timaru Herald says that a large party of Maoris with their chief,
J. Kahu, are very busy at present
eeling on the
Washdyke lagoon. They have been
in camp for a week or two, and during that time have caught about 1000 eels.
Some very fines ones have come to the net, weighing about 61b, and the women
have a busy time cleaning and drying them. The "fishing" season lasts for about
two months, and the gross take is expected to be about 3000. The eel is esteemed
a great delicacy by the Maori, and is also a source of exchange, mutton birds
being sent up by the southern pahs for them.

Colonist, 18 October 1901, Page 4
The Temuka Leader says that Sunday fishing was discussed at a meeting of Maoris
and Europeans at the lower Opihi lately. The questions really at issue were to
put a stop to anglers and others from Timaru, Temuka, and neighborhood, netting
whitebait; on Sundays, when the Maoris themselves do not fish on the Lord's day.
The Maoris had no objection to trout-fishing on Sundays, but strongly objected
to whitebait catching on that day, seeing that they set a good example by not
netting on that day. An agreement was finally come to that there shall he no
fishing for whitebait on Sundays.

Otago Witness, 10 January 1906, Page 46
An aged Maori named Hopa, at Arowhenua. met with a nasty accident recently (says
the Timaru Herald). The Native, who is blind in one eye, was, while chopping
wood, struck in the other eye with such force as to render him totally blind.
Since he has been attended by two doctors, and can now recognise a light passed
close to his face, but there appears little chance of his regaining the use of
his one capable eye.

Otago Witness, 12 December 1906, Page 59
A Whitebaiter Found Dead.— An old Maori chief named Henare Kahu was found dead
at the fishing grounds near the mouth of the Opihi on Sunday morning, where he
was camped "whitebaiting." He returned from Temuka on Saturday evening, and is
supposed to have fallen or tripped on the stones adjacent to his nets, and,
being stunned, was suffocated or drowned when the tide arose. Kahu was well
known from one end of New Zealand to the other, and was a member of the Maori
Council. He was connected with some of the most important of the South Island
warrior chiefs. The remains were removed to the Arowhenua pa meeting house, and
a huge tangi is taking place.

Taranaki Herald, 10 March 1909, Page 2
THE SOUTH ISLAND MAORIS. (To the Editor.) Being acquainted with many of
the Natives living at Arowhenua, Temuka. I can vouch for their superior
habits and homes, so conducive to; health and progress. About ten years
ago the Maoris of Arowhenua and Temuka resolved to build a Native hall
for the entertainment of themselves and Native friends, to raise fluids
wherewith to erect it they organised an excellent concert company, and
travelled much of the South Island, giving concerts with great success.
The entertainment consisted of old and modern Maori and English songs,
recitations of old Maori laments, Maori speeches in character, and of
fine pieces from English authors - all of which were very creditably
rendered both in Maori arid English, especially by several ladies of the
company. Exhibitions were also given with excellent effect of several
Native methods of bird-snaring as practised by the Maoris in pro-pakeha
times ; various musical items and dances were likewise well given, all
of which afforded a very pleasant and instructive evening's
entertainment. The financial results of the company's efforts proved a
great success, and with the funds thus raised a beautiful Native hall
was built in Temuka. But, apart from such laudable efforts of a few
Temuka Natives to benefit and raise their countrymen, the Maoris of the
South Island are vastly more energetic and progressive, and aim at
higher ideals than do most of the Native people I have met in many parts
of the North Island. Healthy marriages, healthy homes, healthy food and
healthy industry as more practised and enjoyed by the Southern Natives
than by those of the North. I am not unduly lauding the Ngai Tahu people
of the Southern districts mentioned. ...I am, etc., W.W. Smith.

Grey River Argus, 1 December 1910, Page 8
One of the oldest Maories in the South Island, Iharaira Parahu Tira, died at
Temuka on Wednesday, at the age of ninety-five years. He belonged to the
Ngatihuirapa tribe, and was born at Arowhenua pa. He was very active in his old
age, and only a few days before his death was whitebaiting with other Maories.

Press, 21 April 1911, Page 7
An inquest was held at Lyttelton yesterday afternoon, before Mr B. W. Bishop,
S.M., District Coroner, on the body of an elderly Maori who died at Rapaki on
Wednesday. The evidence was given in Maori, and went to show i that deceased,
whose name was Eruera Tarawata, and who was commonly known as Eriwa Waka, was 74
years of age, and belonged to Temuka. He had complained of pains in his chest
for some days. A verdict was returned that death was due to heart failure.

Grey River Argus, 27 June 1911, Page 5
June 26, Sir J. Carroll, Native Minister, met a gathering of South Island Maoris
at Arowhenua to-day, and was congratulated by the whites and the natives on
receiving, his title. At the Maori village he was given a native welcome. The
visit had been desired, as the members of the Ngatimamoe and Ngai Tahu tribes
had a long standing grievance to put before him. They allege that when the
tribes ceded 20 million acres of Canterbury and Otago reserves equal to one
tenth was agreed to be made for them and this was never done. The Minister said
that it was long before the time of the present Government and was very
difficult to rectify any such error now owing to settlement ; but he promised
that the Government would consider the matter and do something if possible.

Evening Post, 15 February 1938, Page 14
The death of Mrs. Hana Tina Waaka, aged 106 occurred at the Arowhenua Pa,
Temuka, on Friday. There was a family of about nine children, none of whom is
now living. Mrs. Waaka's husband died at Lyttelton when attending a "hui" over
the Ngaitahu Land Claim. The funeral service took place on Saturday.

Star 25 February 1909, Page 4
The election of members for the Mahanui Maori Council took place in the hall at
Tuahiwi yesterday at noon. Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M., conducted the election, which
resulted as follows
Temuka Teone Tikao Wira and Hoani Korehe Kaahu.

Press, 30 May 1913, Page 7
The visit of the battle-cruiser New Zealand to Timaru was a great
disappointment to some thousands of people, who found On boarding the steamboats
which plied between the port and the warship that they would not be able to got
on board the latter vessel owing to the strong ground swell which prevailed, But
this was not nearly so disappointing as the fact that neither Captain Halsey nor
any of his officers came on shore to attend the official receptions or the two
luncheons which had been arranged by the citizens (one for the Captain and
officers and the other for the bluejackets), nor did any one from the ship
attend the elaborate ceremony at Caroline Bay in the afternoon, when the two
flags presented by the women of New Zealand were to be known to Captain Halsey.
A number of Maoris gave a poi and haka, and the proceedings on the bay concluded
with a song by the Maoris. A MAORI WELCOME. On board the battle-cruiser in the
morning a party of Maoris representative of all the Maoris of South Canterbury,
made a series of presentations to Captain Halsey. Mr H. Kaahu and Mr W. Mihaka,
of Temuka, made the presentations on behalf of the Maori men, and Mrs Rickus (a
chieftainess) and Miss Rickus those from the Maori women. The gifts from the
latter included a smoking cap fashioned out of flax fibre, the other presents
consisting of hakahus (mats), a whalebone instrument of war in the form of a
patu, and carved chieftains' sticks. Both the Maori men and Maori women gave
addresses of welcome, brimming over with patriotic sentiment, and these, as well
as the presents were courteously acknowledged by Captain Halsey. The only boat
which landed anyone on the cruiser all day was the Cygnet, which took
out the official party and the Maoris. After this the sea was deemed too rough
to permit of any boat going alongside, and the thousands of school children and
adults who went out during the day had to be content with a cruise around the
gift ship.

Auckland Star, 31 May 1927, Page 3
INJURIES FATAL. MAORI THROWN FROM TRAP. Timaru this day. Te Were Whaitiri (41)
who was seriously injured at Temuka. on Thursday by being thrown from a trap
when the horse bolted, died last night. He leaves a widow and seven children.

Press, 30 August 1929, Page 6
Mrs Hana Pohio Eickus, who died suddenly whilst on a holiday in Wellington, was
born at Bapaki in November, 1851, and was a daughter of Horomona Pohio, the
first and only Maori Magistrate in the Dominion. She married James Charles
Eickus in 1876, and went to live at Otakoa, where she and her husband engaged in
dairying pursuits. Later they lived at Waihao Downs, Timaru, and Temuka, where
they eventually settled, and where Mr Eickus was at one time the licensee of the
Shamrock Hotel. She took a keen interest in war and patriotic work, and was also
prominent in Native Land Court affairs in different South Island centres. She is
survived by three daughters—Mrs Ani Rita (Bluff), Mrs Nellie Pohio (Napier), and
Mrs Hilda Andrews (Wellington)—and three sons —Messrs Wiremu Tuna Eickus
(Lyttelton), John Mahawa Eickus (Temuka), and Thomas Percival Eickus
(Wellington). The burial took place at the Temuka Cemetery yesterday afternoon,
a large number of Natives from all over New Zealand being present.

Press, 28 March 1939, Page 12 MR H. T. PAIKI
One of the best-known of South Canterbury Maoris, Mr Hemi Tano Paiki, died
recently at the Timaru Hospital in his sixty-seventh year. Born at Morven on
'New Year’s Day. 1872, Mr Paiki came of the Maori aristocratic lineage of
Ngai-Tuahuriri and the Ngati-huirapa sub-tribes. His youth was filled with talk
of the Maori wars then raging in Taranaki indeed, throughout the whole of the
North Island, and of the pleas and the agitation about the basis of settlement
the sale of the Canterbury Province to the New Zealand Government, The upshot of
the dissatisfaction was to. the noted Ngaitahu leader, Te Maiharoa, led a band
of some 200 strong into the hinterland of North Otago towards the head-water of
the Waitaki river, the leader giving as his reason for the migration .the land
which they then occupied had not been ceded by the original owners to the
colonists. The party comprised representative of every Maori pa in Canterbury as
well as many from as far north as Motueka and as far south as Otakou. Mr Paiki
was among the children who formed the “Hiki.” The “Hiki” was the only migration
of protest in New Zealand, but it was short-lived, the period of occupancy being
only two years. Incidents during the “Hiki” were often the topic of conversation
by Mr Paiki, whose recitals of the more outstanding events were regarded as
authoritative by South Island Maoris. He was called on by Judge Harvey, of the
Native Land Court, some four or five years ago to recount on oath several of the
incidents for official purposes. It was at the “Hiki” that the South Island, who
had refrained from participating in the wars, almost, began to open hostilities.
This was when, because of the depredation of the Maori dogs on neighbouring
farmers’ sheep, the Government of the day sent a contingent of soldiers to evict
the Maoris and to safeguard the interests of the pakeha settler. When the troop
rode into the encampment and read the instructions, one of the Maoris parted the
wall of his hut and levelled his rifle at the leader of the expedition, and was
on the point of shooting when Te Maiharoa called out and stopped him. On the
return from the hill country, Mr Paiki lived for a time at the now deserted
Waitaka pa, before returning to Morven and Waimate, where he began school. It
was his intention to become a sailor, and all his studies were devoted to this
end. _His ambition was not realised, for just as arrangements were made for his
berth aboard ship, news came that' his older brother, already a sailor, had been
lost at sea. His parents promptly cancelled his billet.
In the nineties Mr Paiki came to Temuka, and soon after
became identified with the efforts to bring about a better understanding between
his people and the pakehas. Government officials sought his advice on native
matters in the South Island, and on several occasions he acted as interpreter
for the Native, Magistrate’s, and Supreme Courts. He was well versed in Maori
land laws and customary usage, and because of this he was appointed to the
Ngaitahu Trust Board. Becoming secretary of the Arowhenua Maori Runanga, Mr
Paiki held his position for 25 years, a record m the South Island and possibly
in the Dominion. He was a brilliant linguist in both Maori and English, and his
address from the Temuka Post Office steps on the occasion of the visit of Earl
Jellicoe is remembered by many in South Canterbury. He was a former member of
the Temuka Caledonian Society and Athletic Club and of the Temuka Football Club.
An expert bagpipe player, he was a successful competitor in many of the champion
contests. He was the only qualified Maori woolclasser in the South Island. All
sections of the community were represented at the funeral on Sunday at the
Arowhenua cemetery. The services in the church and at the graveside were
conducted by the Rev. L. A. Barnes, a feature being the beautiful unaccompanied
part singing of the Maori hymns. Every pa in Canterbury and Otago was
represented. His wife died in 1924, and Mr Paiki is survived by two brothers,
four sisters, three sons, two daughters, and four grandchildren.

Waaka family heritage -
Past Times
Joe Waaka recounts history through spoken word. "The three first people to
settle in this district were called Arowhenua, Awarua and another I forget.
Waaka recalls meeting Waimate author Herries Beattie who wrote Our Southernmost
Maoris in 1954. The old creek beyond the Arowhenua church is called Whariki and
at the east end of the kaik we have Waitarutu. "The old inland Maori track
avoided the coastal villages and was for war parties, people in haste or those
who did not wish to call at villages with all the formality and ceremony. The
track swerved inland above Ashburton and kept near the hills to the Rakitata,
and then went into the Mackenzie. The track at this part was named Hikai-iti
which I think means `small falling down'.

The Māori name for Mount Peel is Tarahaoa. The park has a long association with
Māori legend and early pioneer history. Tarahaoa is still sacred to Ngāi Tahu.
The mountain is part not only of their heritage, but part of their family.
Legend has it that Chief Tarahaoa and his wife Hua-te-kerekere were washed up
ashore at Shag Point while trying to migrate north from South Otago. They
wandered inland and lived the remainder of their lives where they could always
see the sun go down. They prayed to their gods that on their death they should
be changed into mountains. The Gods obliged and Big Mount Peel and Little Mount
Peel/Huatakerekere are really Tarahaoa and Hua-te-kerekere, inseparably linked
to each other. Their grandchildren became the Four Peaks, the mountain range
adjoining Big Mount Peel and Little Mount Peel/Huatakerekere. The three largest
trees in Peel Forest belong to the family “Podocarpaceae”, which simply
translate to “seed foot” because of the arrangement of the seed on the ends of
the branches. The three trees are kahikatea (white pine), tōtara and mataī
(black pine). The forest also has an abundant bird life. Native birds most
frequently seen and heard are wood pigeon, the rifleman, bellbird, fantail, grey
warbler, silvereye and tomtit. The Rangitata riverbed provides a habitat for a
number of waders and coastal visitors such as the black-billed gull and the pied
oystercatcher.
Died July 2015.
Te Ao Hurae Joe Waaka
Also known as: Joe
Death Date: 10 July 2015
Galbraith Funeral Services Ltd
Funeral Notice Otago Daily Times, The Press, Southland Times, Timaru
Herald 13 Jul 2015